Holy Lands Cruise - Kusadasi (Ephesus) Turkey

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Our 12-night cruise originated in Athens, Greece.  We had visited Athens, Patmos and Santorini, Greece at this point, and are moving on to new lands.  This interesting destination is where culture and shopping bargains unite.

Kusadasi, Turkey.   Located nearby are the ancient ruins of Ephesus, the home of St. John and Jesus’ mother Mary, and the remnants of St. John’s Basilica. 

Home of Mary and John:

The home of Mary and John is located upon one of the highest mountains in the area.   Overlooking the city of Kusadasi, and the ancient city of Ephesus, is a small and humble retreat or home which is surrounded by olive, sycamore, and evergreen trees and offers a beautiful view below.   The pool, which looks like a large key hole, said to be used by Mary and John at the time of their discipleship for baptism.  The humble home consisting of two bedrooms and a living area is now a shrine with an alter and a very small and limited area for prayer.  The home that currently stands is not the original one, but is built on the foundation of the original structure.  At this destination one can light a candle for prayer petitions (lit outside the chapel/home) and one can collect holy water from the well which was said to be the same as that which was used by Mary for baptisms and personal use.  For those looking for Christian souvenirs (ie:  rosaries, religious plaques, pictures, vessels for holy water, etc., there are many vendors awaiting you.  This can be one of the only places (with the exceptionn of Rome) where you will be able to purchase religious artifacts.  There are vendors geared to the general tourist and their general needs.  Enjoy a glass of fresh squeezed orange or pomegrante juice while waiting for everyone to get back to the bus and before moving on to your next stop.

Ephesis:

Ancient Ephesus, once a major port, is still undergoing excavation.   t is expected that this vast marble and limestone expanse will go on for miles.    Archeologists are sifting through and trying to piece together remnants that look like a giant jigsaw puzzle.  Hoping to recreate the structures as they were thousands of years ago.

The sea, now several miles away from the site, once came up to the site.  It is said that Cleopatra and Anthony came to visit this area. 

Currently one will find a main road of marble with structures of buildings that once consisted of peoples homes, latrine (a social place believe it or not), a hospital, a pharmacy, a brothal, a library, a cave which lead from the library to the brothal, and the famous and still utilized theater. 

 

Bascilica of St. John:

The remants of this ancient church and the grave honoring St. John rests on top of a hill.  Columns, pillars and more with engraved markings depicting Christianity in its time.  Again another magnificent view to the sea.

 

The City of Kusadasi:

This city is a fantastic place for shopping bargains.  One must be cautious which shopping and be weary of knock-offs on designer and name brand products.  This is the place to get your lamb skin leather jackets and your Turkish hand-woven rugs.  A rug weaver sitting outside of the store will be glad to demonstrate how it is done.  While you are looking at those jackets and rugs the sales people will lavish you with hospitality.  Offering you Turkish coffee, tea - the apple tea is delicious, wine, and more.

One can feel safe to wander around the city, but one can expect to be approached by most every vendor along the way.  Encouraging you to come into their store to look and see, and to buy some of the wears.  It does get tiring after a while because they can be relentless.  The pressure is on.  They want and need to make a sale.  Be sure to haggle for the best price.  Never pay the full price on anything.  At best you may be able to pay 30% of the original price, the most common is 50% off.

The American dollar and the European Euro are both widely accepted.  We must not forget the coveted plastic card.

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